The virus has one job, to reproduce itself. Without strong public health measures in place, that spread will be exponential. Consider this riddle to understand exponential spread: On day 1, a single lily is planted in a large pond. The lily doubles itself daily.

On day 2, there are 2 lilies in the pond.
On day 3, there are 4 lilies.
On day 4, there are 8 lilies.
And so forth.

If the pond becomes completely covered with lilies on day 40, on what day is it only half-covered?

ANSWER:

On day 39!

That is what exponential spread looks like.

What we are seeing now in terms of COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, and deaths is not just a third wave or a post-Thanksgiving surge.

What we are seeing is exponential spread.

We need a vigorous public health response NOW even as we roll out the vaccine with all due speed.

As individuals, mask up, keep your distance, stay home if you can.
As a government, pay most people to stay home. For those who must go out, regulate workplaces and protect workers.